Making a home wheelchair accessible

When someone in the family starts using a wheelchair or walker, the house can suddenly feel like it's working against you. The good news: most homes can be made accessible without starting over. Here's where to look, starting with the changes that matter most.

1. Getting in the door

• A ramp or zero-step entry. A safe ramp rises no more than 1 inch for every 12 inches of length, so a 24-inch-high porch needs about 24 feet of ramp. Handrails on both sides and a flat landing at the door are a must.
• A wide, easy door. Aim for at least 32 inches of clear opening, a low threshold, and a lever handle instead of a knob.

2. Doorways and halls

Older homes often have 24 to 28-inch interior doors. Widening the most-used ones, usually the bedroom and bathroom, makes the biggest difference. Offset hinges can add a couple of inches without moving the frame. Halls should be at least 36 inches wide for comfortable rolling.

3. The bathroom

This is where most falls happen, and where an accessible remodel pays off the most.

• A roll-in or curbless shower with the floor sloped to the drain
• A built-in bench or fold-down seat, and a handheld shower on a slide bar
• Grab bars at 33 to 36 inches high, anchored into solid backing in the wall
• A comfort-height toilet, with a seat 17 to 19 inches off the floor
• A roll-under sink and a mirror low enough to use while seated
• A 60-inch circle of open floor so a wheelchair can turn around

4. The kitchen

• A lowered section of counter with open space underneath
• Pull-out shelves and drawers instead of deep base cabinets
• A wall oven or microwave at a reachable height
• Lever or touch faucets

5. Floors

Wheels roll best on smooth, hard floors with level transitions between rooms. Luxury vinyl plank is a great choice for most rooms. In bathrooms, small mosaic tile or Alterna grouted vinyl tile adds grip. Skip thick carpet and throw rugs.

Where to start

If budget means doing things in stages, start with the entry and the bathroom. Those two changes usually make the biggest difference in day-to-day life and safety.